Items Tagged With Alcohol Abuse

Is this topic for you?

This topic is about alcohol abuse and dependence in adults. If you are looking for information about teens or children, see the topic Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

What are alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence?

Alcohol abuse means having unhealthy or dangerous drinking habits, such as drinking every day or drinking too much at a time. Alcohol abuse can harm your relationships, cause you to miss work, and make it hard to do the things you need to do. It can lead to legal problems, such as being arrested for disorderly conduct or driving while intoxicated. If alcohol abuse continues, it can lead to alcohol dependence.

Alcohol dependence is also called alcoholism. Alcoholics cannot quit drinking or control how much they drink, even when they try to. They are physically and emotionally addicted to alcohol. They often feel like they must drink just to get by. They might drink secretly or hide the amount they drink. Alcohol controls their lives. Over time, alcoholics need to drink more before they can feel the effects of alcohol. They get grouchy or shaky or have other withdrawal symptoms when they are not able to drink or when they try to quit.

Over time, drinking too much alcohol can cause or make worse health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease, gallstones, pancreatitis, and certain types of cancer. If you have trouble with alcohol, cutting back or quitting can help you live a happier, healthier life.

How much drinking is too much?

Drinking can become a habit. You might have friends or family members who drink often, so drinking a lot might seem normal. Or you might not realize how much or how often you drink. You might not be aware of the problems that alcohol causes in your life. But the more you drink, the greater is your risk for becoming addicted to alcohol. You also have an increased chance of having health problems or other problems as a result.

You are drinking too much if you are:¹

• A woman who has more than 3 drinks at one time or more than 7 standard drinks a week.
• A man who has more than 4 drinks at one time or more than 14 standard drinks a week.

A standard drink is :

• 1 can or bottle of beer [12 fl oz].
• 1 glass of wine [5 fl oz].
• 1 mixed drink containing 1.5 fl oz of hard liquor.

While some studies show that moderate drinking may have some health benefits, most doctors do not recommend that you start drinking for your heart or other health reasons. The risks of drinking alcohol usually outweigh any benefits.

Many people who have alcohol problems are successful in other areas of their lives, and they might even be able to hide their problem for years. These people often deny that they have a problem. The good news is that when people admit to themselves and others that they have a problem and make a commitment to change, most are able to cut their drinking back to a safe level or to quit altogether.